James Roy Owensby

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of James Roy Owensby, age 89, who departed this earth to his heavenly home on April 6, 2025.

James was born on October 23, 1935 in Fairview, Buncombe County, North Carolina during the Great Depression to the late Fulton Joseph Owensby and Evelyn (Hess) Owensby.  In 1941 Fulton J. purchased land on State Line Road in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania and built the house James and his siblings grew up in.  The family saw mill was built where State Line Machine stands today.  James and his brothers worked at their saw mill before and after school each and every day helping to provide for their family.  When James was eleven years old, a traumatic accident occurred when his shirt was caught in a saw blade and he was pulled through the mill.  He sustained many injuries including a fractured leg, arm, skull as well as back injuries.  He was treated in Chester County Hospital where he remained for months due to these severe injuries.  However, even with just an eighth-grade education and these devastating injuries, it did not stop him from living the American Dream.

In 1953, the saw mill burned down which led to Fulton J. opening F.J. Owensby Excavating where James and his brothers learned the meaning of hard work ethics and always giving 110%.  In 1963 James and his brothers established Owensby Brothers Excavating which became the largest excavating firm in the tri state area.  The building of Granite Run Mall, Christiana Mall, and Wilmington Hospital are a few of their proud accomplishments.

James and his devoted wife of 66 years Patricia, traveled the country with friends and family in search of memorabilia to add to his extensive collection.  His 90-foot pole barn and basement are a “museum” of this collection which is visited by many collectors, clubs, and friends.  You can find fully restored Cletrac and Monarch tractors, gas pumps, watch fobs, construction toys and construction literature all meticulously cared for.  James was known as the number one restorer of crawler tractors in the country.  This was his true passion to bring back memories of times gone by.  James was a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 542, Rough and Tumble, International Watch Fob Association, Oliver Hart-Par Club, Caterpillar Club, Historical Construction Equipment Association, along with several others.

James had a strong faith in God instilled in the family by his mother Evelyn. He and Patricia attended the First Baptist Church of Pequea when they moved to Cochranville Pennsylvania in 1989.

James will forever be remembered by his adoring family and friends for his infectious laugh, work ethic, and deep love for family. He was the type of man that you would be proud to call your husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. His love for family was evident in every aspect of his life. James’ family is what he centered his life around and were the people he cherished the most.

James was one of seven children and is preceded in death by his siblings Fulton S. Owensby, Charles E. Owensby, Joseph V. Owensby, Evelyn M. (nee Owensby) Jones and Carroll W. (Bud) Owensby as well as his parents Fulton Joseph Owensby and Evelyn (Hess) Owensby.

James is survived by his loving wife Patricia (nee Barrowman) Owensby of Cochranville, Pennsylvania, his devoted daughter Kimberly Bytheway and son in law Thomas W. Bytheway, Jr. of Upper Chichester, Pennsylvania; his grandchildren Thomas W. Bytheway III and wife Eileen of Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania,

Brooke Bytheway of Port Richmond, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and his great granddaughters. In addition, he is survived by his sister Catherine A. Leska and her husband Harry of Ephrata, Pennsylvania as well as many nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be from 10:00AM until 11:00AM with a funeral service at 11:00AM on Friday, April 18, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Pequea, 6062 Old Philadelphia Pike in Gap, Pennsylvania.  Burial will follow the post funeral luncheon at 2:00PM in the adjoining church cemetery.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in James' name to the Benevolent Fund of the First Baptist Church of Pequea, 6062 Old Philadelphia Pike, Gap, PA 17527.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Roy Owensby, please visit our floral store.